• AIA - A201 - General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 2017
• AIA - A401 - Standard Form of Agreement between Contractor-Subcontractor, 2017
• AIA - A701 - Instructions to Bidders, 2018
• Builders Guide to Accounting - Add To Cart
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• Contractor’s Manual, 2021 - Add To Cart
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• Florida Statutes Chapter 455, 2024 - Add To Cart
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The Business and Finance exam is a mandatory requirement for anyone seeking a contractor license in Florida. This exam ensures that contractors have the financial knowledge and business skills needed to operate responsibly within the state. It must be completed in addition to the specific contractor or trade exam, meaning that both exams are essential for licensure in any contracting field. This dual requirement helps maintain high standards and ensures that all licensed contractors are prepared for both the practical and financial aspects of their trade.

Applications must be submitted to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For application instructions and assistance, call 850-487-1395. The application process includes proof of financial stability, details of insurance coverage, and electronic fingerprinting, among other requirements.

Florida has a limited form of reciprocity with other states. If you have passed the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, you may be exempt from the Florida General, Building, or Residential Contractor Trade Knowledge exam. You are still required to pass the Florida Business and Finance exam and fulfill other specific state requirements.

Florida requires all licensed contractors to complete 14 hours of continuing education during each biennial renewal period. This education must include 1 hour on workplace safety, 1 hour on workers' compensation, 1 hour on business practices, 1 hour on laws and rules, 1 hour on wind mitigation, and the remaining hours on general subjects.

To secure a Florida Certified Contractor license, you must pass two examinations: the Florida Business and Finance Exam and the Trade Exam(s) specific to your license. General, Building, and Residential Contractors are required to take two trade exams: Contract Administration and Project Management. The Business and Finance Exam evaluates your knowledge of financial management, contract administration, project oversight, safety regulations, construction laws, and other essential business principles. This 120 question exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a time limit of 6.5 hours and covers topics such as payroll and accounting, lien laws, labor laws, tax regulations, and productivity calculations. Passing this exam is a critical step in demonstrating your capability to manage the business side of a contracting operation in Florida.

A candidate must pass all parts of the examinations required for licensure within 4 years of the first attempt. The 4 year examination period begins with your first scheduled examination date. You will have an unlimited number of exam attempts within the 4 year period. After 4 years, all previous test scores become invalid, and you will be required to take all parts of the examination again.

Training for the Florida Business and Finance exam is available through various providers, offering courses that cover both Business and Finance and essential preparation for specific trade knowledge. These courses are designed to help applicants pass their exams on the first attempt by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and test-taking strategies.